SAFETY Act designation and certification represents highest level of protection awarded by U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Along with Red Wings and Pistons games, award covers security procedures for other ticketed events. Little Caesars Arena joins Comerica Park as only professional sports venues operating under same ownership group to receive SAFETY Act Certification.
By Brett McWethy / OlympiaEntertainment.com
DETROIT -Little Caesars Arena, home of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and NBA's Detroit Pistons, has received SAFETY Act Certification, the highest level of protection awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Managed and operated by Olympia Entertainment, Little Caesars Arena becomes the first combined NHL, NBA and entertainment venue to earn the certification.
As part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY) encourages the creation and use of anti-terrorism technologies and practices.
Little Caesars Arena joins Comerica Park, home to MLB's Detroit Tigers, as the only professional sports venues operating under the same ownership group to receive SAFETY Act Certification for all ticketed events. Comerica Park earned the award in 2015.
"Our priority at Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park is to create a safe environment for our fans, players, performers and guests," said Richard Fenton, VP, Corporate Safety and Security, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. "During the design and construction of Little Caesars Arena and its surrounding areas, we went through an extensive review process to assure we implemented the most comprehensive physical and electronic protective measures available by working with federal, state, county and local public safety experts. We are proud that these broad efforts have made Little Caesars Arena the first combined NHL and NBA arena to be awarded SAFETY Act Certification."
The SAFETY Act Certification applies to Little Caesars Arena and the 100-foot perimeter around the arena, the parking deck, office buildings on Henry and Woodward, the Via and the Chevrolet Plaza. It includes the security design development process, supporting policies and procedures, and the implementation, management, and continuous oversight by employees, contractors, and consultants. This designation and certification will expire on December 31, 2022.
The state-of-the-art arena opened with 10 consecutive sold out concerts, with performers including multiple Grammy® Award-winning global superstar Ed Sheeran, the legendary Paul McCartney and Grammy® Award-winning band Imagine Dragons.
Little Caesars Arena will host a variety of other special sporting events in its inaugural year, including the UFC 218 pay-per-view (Dec. 2), the Hitachi College Basketball Showcase (Dec. 16), college hockey's Great Lakes Invitational (Jan. 1-2) and Duel in the D (Feb. 10) and the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (March 16 & 18).
About Little Caesars Arena
Little Caesars Arena in The District Detroit serves as the home of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and many other sports, entertainment and community events. Rich with the tradition of the Original Six™ Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Pistons and Detroit's incredible musical heritage, the arena also features state-of-the-art technology, fan amenities, and active community spaces like the Via, the BELFOR Training Center and the Chevrolet Plaza.
About Olympia Entertainment
Headquartered in the heart of The District Detroit, Olympia Entertainment owns and operates the Fox Theatre, City Theatre and Hockeytown Cafe, and provides facility management services at Little Caesars Arena, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill. The company also serves as the sales and marketing organization for the Detroit Red Wings and provides additional services to 313 Presents.
Olympia Entertainment is an Ilitch company. Other Ilitch companies include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, Olympia Development of Michigan, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., MotorCity Casino Hotel and Champion Foods. The Ilitch companies also maintain a joint venture interest in 313 Presents.
About The District Detroit
The District Detroit is one of the largest sports and entertainment developments in the country. Located in the heart of Detroit, this 50-block, mixed-use development led by the Ilitch organization unites eight world-class theaters, five neighborhoods and three professional sports venues in one vibrant, walkable destination for people who want to live, work and play in an exciting urban environment. Home to the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Lions - The District Detroit represents the greatest density of professional sports teams in one downtown core in the country.
